CHARLES L., DR. May 6, 1942 - September 18, 2011 Dr. Charles L. Rasmussen of Albuquerque, New Mexico; formerly of Edina, Minnesota, passed away at 69 from complications of heart disease at his home in Albuquerque. Chuck was a gifted teacher, mentor, and coach that reveled in the learning process. He earned his Ph.D. in Behavioral Health, Applied Physiology, and Counseling in 1993. He was a Health Sciences professor at universities in New Mexico and Ohio, and most recently had been pursuing an advanced degree in Psychology at Southern California University. He held a deep commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship. Chuck demonstrated an enthusiasm for the pursuit of learning and its transforming possibilities in the lives of people. Chuck had a rich spiritual life. He embodied the principles he sought to help others learn and his capacity for helping others find and embrace their own direction was unbounded. Chuck's unconditional positive regard for others made him a friend to many and overwhelmed most on their first encounter with him. He was always there for everyone and few people brought more meaning to the word, "friend". Chuck created community wherever he was - he was community! Deeply dedicated to service, he was the President and Executive Director of The Bridge, a non-profit student and human services association, and served on the Board of Trustees of the New Mexico Symphony. Chuck was also CEO at Quadra Health Institute, where he invested his person - his very being - with his business partner and colleagues to bring to fruition their vision and mission and provide excellent care to those they served. Along with a strong appreciation of and support for the fine arts and music, Chuck enjoyed a variety of physical activities, including a regimen of running, mountain biking, and the practice of the martial arts. Chuck held advanced black belt degrees in several martial arts disciplines and a master teaching license in Ju-Jitsu. He was the beloved and revered Shihan of Albuquerque's Mijindo Ju-Jitsu Budokan. While a real gentleperson, he possessed formidable skills and an indomitable spirit. Chuck will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Chuck was a beloved son, brother, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Rasmussen. He is survived by his mother, Helen Rasmussen of Edina, Minnesota; by his brothers, Bob Rasmussen, Walter Rasmussen Jr., and Ben Rasmussen; as well as his nieces, Elizabeth Hoch and Julia Rasmussen; nephew, Max Rasmussen; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. Memorial Service in Albuquerque, NM on November 6, 2011 from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the UNM Continuing Education Building at 1634 University Boulevard NE; Memorial Mass and celebration of Chuck's life on October 15, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the Chapel at the Basilica of St. Mary, 88 North 17th Street, Minneapolis, MN, www.mary.org; Memorial gifts may be made to The Dr. Charles L. Rasmussen Bridge Fund, P.O. Box 25104, Albuquerque, NM 87125.
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